A common problem that keeps small business owners from the success they desperately want and deserve is lack of focus. My new clients often tell me that if only they could focus more, and not get distracted by BSOs (bright shiny objects), they just might be able to work towards a goal long enough to reap the rewards of their hard work.
One reason many small business owners lack the focus necessary for success is that they are afraid to miss out on some great opportunities that just might bring them the results they long for. But, if you don’t choose a very small number of opportunities, and focus on them exclusively, you can dilute your focus so much that the results you want never come. A another reason many business owners constantly shift their focus from one opportunity to another is that at some point the work required to bring one opportunity to fruition can becomes challenging (scary?) and even a bit tedious or boring. It is remarkable how quickly the appeal of a once-juicy opportunity can fade.
The 2010 Winter Olympics take place next month and I am reminded that the only way an Olympic athlete can ensure a “shot at the gold” is to pick a single sporting event and focus exclusively on training for that event. I can imagine how tedious and routine that singular focus can be at times. While attempting to become world-class at both downhill racing and cross-country skiing might seem much more interesting and exciting, the odds of becoming good enough at either event to stand on the medal podium are very slim indeed.
My clients and students know that one of my favourite phrases is “If you chase two rabbits you will catch neither one” (source unknown). They also know that I have added my personal extension to that quote “…When you are eating rabbit stew you won’t even recall the one that got away”.
How many rabbits are you chasing? Pick one and chase it down. The stew is delicious!
Need help staying focused on what’s important to you? I am as close as your keyboard.
Cathy,
your timing for this post was magnificent! My husband and I visited our good friend on the island and you’ll never guess what we were doing . . . that’s right – catching rabbits! (there’s been a population explosion on his acreage and they were destined for the stew pot!)
Our efforts brought many a laugh and yes, insight as to which strategies to employ. You are absolutely right – you can only chase one at a time.
As for the ones that got away – they’ll be back and we’ll be waiting!